Important trade fair in difficult competitive environment: IGATEX in Pakistan

22.05.2017

The textile industry is one of Pakistan’s most important industries. Because it is clearly export-focused, the country competes with its neighbouring countries India and Bangladesh. While they have reported a significant increase in textile and clothing exports, Pakistan’s exports have declined. International knitwear sales have remained almost flat, too. An incentive package is to boost the industry again. It comprises withdrawal and concessions on customs duty and sales tax on imports. International manufacturers of textile machinery such as Mayer & Cie. are very likely to profit from this initiative, as Pakistani imports in their sector are substantial already. In terms of circular knitting, single jersey machines are especially sought after, followed by interlock and jacquard machines.

This has become evident once more at the latest IGATEX, Pakistan’s most important textile industry fair. From April 26th to 29th 2017, Mayer & Cie.’s local representative Noon was on site in Karachi. The fair was held there for the first time; previously Lahore had been home to the IGATEX. Noon staff appreciate both the fair’s move to Karachi and this year’s edition in general. Nadeem Ul Haq from Noon says: “Visitors were mostly decision makers, which always brings lot of satisfaction to the exhibitors. This year, numerous machines suppliers have physically displayed their machinery on their booth. It was a bit like ITMA.”

Mayer & Cie. refrained from displaying machines at IGATEX. The company presented itself via the Noon team, posters and the company logo. Their machines remained to be a topic of conversation nonetheless. “Many clients approached us about the machines producing mattress covers, that is machines from the OVJA family. Visitors enquired about spinitsystems, too”, says Nadeem Ul Haq. For him, the only downside was the number of callers to their booth: “While we were very happy with the quality of our guests, we counted fewer visitors than we had expected.” Nevertheless, he sees the overall result: “The very well-organised fair definitely has a positive effect on the Pakistani textile industry.”